By Sam Waller

Albany’s Team GreaseWorm not only completed the Nail Ranch Buffalo Run Adventure Challenge, but did so with no mechanical failures.

The third annual event, a fundraiser for Buffalo Gap’s Camp Able, entailed making a round trip on June 1-3 from Buffalo Gap to Abilene, Kansas, in a vehicle valued at no more than $750 while completing a series of tasks along the way. Team GreaseWorm – Robert Snyder, Craig Winters, Matt Birkla, and Kennith Waters – made the journey in Snyder’s 1965 Ford station wagon despite the fuel gauge not working.

By Sam Waller

That buzz of excitement in the air is for the start of the Shackelford County Library’s annual children’s story hour this Friday, June 9.

The summer reading program starts at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the library with a special presentation by The Bee Man from Stamford.

The rest of the sessions will be held on Tuesdays. Organizer Janna Ledbetter said the first one had to be on a Friday because of scheduling needs.

The theme this summer is animals, with future sessions focusing on chickens, horses and goats.

By Sam Waller

Two Shackelford County 4-H members were cited for their work in the state photography contest this week.

Results were announced Monday, June 5 at the State 4-H Roundup in College Station.

Faith Fry was awarded Blue Ribbon Quality Awards for the Catch-All and Shadow/Silhouette classes. Fry also received Red Ribbon Quality Awards for Elements of Design and Plant Flora, and a White Ribbon Quality Award for Animals (Wildlife).

Riley Reames received a Green Ribbon Quality Award for Animals (Domestic) and a Red Ribbon Quality Award for Landscape.

By Sam Waller

Recent rains have left standing water in several low-lying areas around Albany, creating ideal breeding environments for mosquitoes.

At the same time, weather conditions have also prevented city workers from combatting the insects before they become a problem.

Albany water plant supervisor Michael Graham said humidity and temperature levels must change before spraying can begin.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Starting June 1, a legendary Albany financial institution will open for business for the first time in 140 years with a new name.

First National Bank Albany/Breckenridge will now be known as Clear Fork Bank, while continuing to provide the same local service by the same local officers and employees at each of its six branch locations.

By Melinda L. Lucas

Dozens of local scholarships were presented to members of the Albany High School Class of 2023 during commencement exercises held last Friday, May 26.

There were well over 100 separate awards for the class of 32, with some scholarships split among more than one recipient, amounting to almost $130,000.

The awards were given by just under 50 local churches, clubs, organizations, foundations and individuals.

By Donnie A. Lucas

The City of Albany swimming pool will open for the summer season with a free Splash Day on Thursday (today) from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.

The facility will continue to be open to the public on Tuesdays through Sundays through July.

Pool manager Meg Walser reported that she has lined up 14 lifeguards to operate the pool.

By Melinda L. Lucas

The Albany Dance Theatre Company will present “Seize the Day” this Saturday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the Albany High School auditorium.

The performance is free to the public with 113 dancers from Albany, Moran, Breckenridge, and Stamford.

By Sam Waller

Shackelford County Library’s annual children’s story hour will start Friday, June 9, before moving to Tuesday for the rest of the month.

Organizer Janna Ledbetter said the program, geared toward preschool and early elementary children, will center around different animals, starting with a beekeeper.

Other programs will be Lori Schooler on chickens on June 13, Kelsey Bell on horses on June 20, and Ledbetter and Tracy Sullivan on goats on June 27.

By Donnie A. Lucas

Tickets are selling fast for the 85th anniversary of the Fort Griffin Fandangle, the local outdoor production that tells the story of the settling of the Clear Fork of the Brazos area over 150 years ago.

Show dates this season are June 16-17 and June 23-24. Tickets can be purchased online or by contacting the Fandangle office located in the Depot. The website is www.fortgriffinfandangle.org, or patrons can call 325-762-3838.